Rhinoplasty Recovery: Week by Week
What to expect in the days, weeks, and months after rhinoplasty surgery — swelling, bruising, cast removal, and when you'll see your final result.
One of the most-watched rhinoplasty videos on the 8 West channel. Dr. Buonassisi walks through the recovery timeline week by week — what is normal, what to watch for, and how to support healing. Covers cast removal, taping, swelling progression, activity restrictions, and the long-term swelling curve that most patients don't know about.
Days 1–7: Cast is on. Expect significant swelling and bruising, particularly around the eyes. Sleep elevated. No blowing your nose.
Day 7–10: Cast removal. The nose will look swollen and wide — this is normal. The tip will be stiff and elevated.
Weeks 2–4: Most bruising resolves. Swelling begins to reduce. Patients are typically presentable in public by week 2–3.
Months 1–3: The nose continues to refine. Tip swelling is the last to resolve. The nose will look more natural each week.
Months 6–18: Final result. Tip definition, skin refinement, and full resolution of deep swelling. Thick-skinned patients take longer.
